MONROVIA – In response to the severe rainfall and subsequent flooding that occurred between June 28 and July 1, 2024, in Montserrado, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount counties, the European Union has allocated emergency humanitarian funding of EUR 130,000 (approximately 141,028.55 USD). This funding aims to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the floods.
The continuous rains, predicted to last until September, necessitate immediate support for the affected population and preparation for future similar events. The emergency funding from the EU will aid the Liberia National Red Cross (LNRC) in providing shelters and multi-purpose cash grants to the most vulnerable. These grants are intended to cover non-food items and address needs related to livelihood, water, hygiene, and sanitation. The LNRC’s action is expected to continue for four months, concluding at the end of November 2024.
The Liberia Meteorological Department forecasts ongoing rains between May and September 2024 across six counties: Montserrado, Bomi, Cape Mount, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Maryland (coastal). The affected populations have lost valuable household items and face risks of disease outbreaks, loss of shelter, loss of livelihood mechanisms, and water source pollution. About 68% of those affected are women, children, and other vulnerable groups, including the physically challenged and single mothers, who are seeking shelter in temporary facilities such as public and private buildings, or with neighbors and relatives.
Background
The European Union, alongside its Member States, is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity towards people in need around the globe. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and human-made crises.
Through its European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid operations department, the EU assists millions of victims of conflicts and disasters annually. Headquartered in Brussels and supported by a global network of field offices, the EU focuses its aid on the most vulnerable, based on humanitarian needs.
The European Commission has signed an €8 million humanitarian contribution agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). Established in 1979 and supported by donor contributions, the DREF provides immediate financial support to National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies responding to small-scale disasters. The IFRC allocates grants from the DREF for these responses, with the donors replenishing the Fund. The agreement between the IFRC and ECHO allows the latter to replenish the DREF for agreed operations, fitting its humanitarian mandate, up to a total of €8 million.
The emergency response to the flooding in Liberia highlights the EU’s commitment to providing timely and effective humanitarian aid to those in need, ensuring the affected populations receive essential support during and after such crises.
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